Michael Cohen sat for a third day of testimony in Donald Trump’s ongoing criminal hush-money trial on Thursday. The attorney and former fixer sat for rigorous cross-examination by Trump’s lawyers, who attempted to poke holes in Cohen’s previous testimony and cast doubt on his credibility given his past conviction on charges of perjury.
Trump’s attorneys pressed Cohen on his personal feelings regarding the trial, and the possibility that Trump might be convicted. At one point, the jury heard a recording of Cohen discussing the news of...
Trump’s attorneys pressed Cohen on his personal feelings regarding the trial, and the possibility that Trump might be convicted. At one point, the jury heard a recording of Cohen discussing the news of...
- 5/16/2024
- by Catherina Gioino and Nikki McCann Ramirez
- Rollingstone.com
Updated: Donald Trump’s attorney in the former president’s hush money trial went straight at the prosecution’s star witness, Michael Cohen, kicking off a profanity-laced cross examination.
To start off, Todd Blanche introduced himself to Cohen, saying that although they’d never met “you went on TikTok and called me a crying little s—t” after the trial started.
“Sounds like something I would say,” Cohen deadpanned before a prosecutor could finish objecting to the question.
So it went for much of the next two hours in a Manhattan courtroom: Blanche confronting Cohen with insults he’s lobbed mainly at Trump on his podcasts and social media, including a TikTok account he signed up for about six weeks ago to live-stream chats, and Cohen allowing that he had probably said those things.
“Dictator d—bag,” “boorish cartoon misogynist” and “Cheetoh-dusted cartoon villain” were a few of the slurs that Cohen admitted to.
To start off, Todd Blanche introduced himself to Cohen, saying that although they’d never met “you went on TikTok and called me a crying little s—t” after the trial started.
“Sounds like something I would say,” Cohen deadpanned before a prosecutor could finish objecting to the question.
So it went for much of the next two hours in a Manhattan courtroom: Blanche confronting Cohen with insults he’s lobbed mainly at Trump on his podcasts and social media, including a TikTok account he signed up for about six weeks ago to live-stream chats, and Cohen allowing that he had probably said those things.
“Dictator d—bag,” “boorish cartoon misogynist” and “Cheetoh-dusted cartoon villain” were a few of the slurs that Cohen admitted to.
- 5/14/2024
- by Sean Piccoli
- Deadline Film + TV
House Republicans are calling for NPR CEO Katherine Maher to appear at a hearing on May 8 following a now former staffer’s allegations of bias in news coverage.
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-wa), chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, joined with two other House Republicans in a letter to Maher. “The Committee has concerns about the direction in which NPR may be headed under past and present leadership,” they wrote. “As a taxpayer funded, public radio organization, NPR should focus on fair and objective news reporting that both considers and reflects the views of the larger U.S. population and not just a niche audience.” The hearing would be before the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.
Maher has defended the network after Uri Berliner, who had been a senior business editor and reporter, published an essay in The Free Press that claimed that the network lacked an “open minded spirit” and viewpoint diversity,...
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-wa), chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, joined with two other House Republicans in a letter to Maher. “The Committee has concerns about the direction in which NPR may be headed under past and present leadership,” they wrote. “As a taxpayer funded, public radio organization, NPR should focus on fair and objective news reporting that both considers and reflects the views of the larger U.S. population and not just a niche audience.” The hearing would be before the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.
Maher has defended the network after Uri Berliner, who had been a senior business editor and reporter, published an essay in The Free Press that claimed that the network lacked an “open minded spirit” and viewpoint diversity,...
- 5/1/2024
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Marco Mueller has been appointed artistic director of Italy’s Taormina Film Festival, which will have a top notch selection committee comprising British film curator and former London fest chief Sandra Hebron and former Cannes Directors’ Fortnight boss Edouard Waintrop.
As anticipated by Variety, Mueller, who over the past decades has headed both the Venice and Rome fests — among several other events — is taking the reins of the storied Sicilian event that has had its ups and downs over the years. Held since the mid-1950s in the Sicilian resort known to U.S. audiences as the location of “The White Lotus” Season 2, the summer fest boasts an 8,000-seat open-air ancient Greek amphitheater in the shadow of Sicily’s active Mt. Etna volcano. Guests have included Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Steven Spielberg, Federico Fellini, Pedro Almodovar and Tom Cruise.
The 70th edition of Taormina will run July 12-19. It will...
As anticipated by Variety, Mueller, who over the past decades has headed both the Venice and Rome fests — among several other events — is taking the reins of the storied Sicilian event that has had its ups and downs over the years. Held since the mid-1950s in the Sicilian resort known to U.S. audiences as the location of “The White Lotus” Season 2, the summer fest boasts an 8,000-seat open-air ancient Greek amphitheater in the shadow of Sicily’s active Mt. Etna volcano. Guests have included Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Steven Spielberg, Federico Fellini, Pedro Almodovar and Tom Cruise.
The 70th edition of Taormina will run July 12-19. It will...
- 4/12/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Screen International has promoted several members of its UK-based editorial team with immediate effect, to build upon the leading international trade publication’s continuing growth and expansion.
Matt Mueller has been promoted to editor-in-chief. Mueller joined Screen in 2015 as editor and has built a potent team of outstanding film business journalists who are at the forefront of industry reporting, insight and analysis. As well as continuing to oversee Screen’s print and digital operations, he will also oversee the brand’s further expansion into events including the Global Production Awards, first launched at Cannes last year, and data-led reporting.
Orlando Parfitt,...
Matt Mueller has been promoted to editor-in-chief. Mueller joined Screen in 2015 as editor and has built a potent team of outstanding film business journalists who are at the forefront of industry reporting, insight and analysis. As well as continuing to oversee Screen’s print and digital operations, he will also oversee the brand’s further expansion into events including the Global Production Awards, first launched at Cannes last year, and data-led reporting.
Orlando Parfitt,...
- 4/10/2024
- ScreenDaily
The Church of Scientology has been accused of trying to “derail” actor Danny Masterson’s rape trials, according to legal documents filed in December 2023 and obtained by TheWrap. He was convicted in those trials for raping two women in 2001 and 2003 whom he had met through the church.
Masterson’s rape victims filed legal documents in December 2023, obtained by TheWrap, claiming the church launched a “campaign of harassment and intimidation directed at one of the prosecutors assigned to Defendant Masterson’s trial” in an effort to “derail Masterson’s criminal trial” as well as his second criminal trial.
The prosecutor’s name wasn’t revealed in the document, though the charges do match similar ones discussed in a speech by L.A. County Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller last year, according to the Los Angeles Times, which also reports that a spokesperson for the church has denied the claims.
“Defendants attempted...
Masterson’s rape victims filed legal documents in December 2023, obtained by TheWrap, claiming the church launched a “campaign of harassment and intimidation directed at one of the prosecutors assigned to Defendant Masterson’s trial” in an effort to “derail Masterson’s criminal trial” as well as his second criminal trial.
The prosecutor’s name wasn’t revealed in the document, though the charges do match similar ones discussed in a speech by L.A. County Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller last year, according to the Los Angeles Times, which also reports that a spokesperson for the church has denied the claims.
“Defendants attempted...
- 4/6/2024
- by Raquel 'Rocky' Harris
- The Wrap
Veteran film festivals curator and chief Marco Mueller, who over the past decades has headed both the Venice and Rome fests – among several other events – is operationally back in Italy where he is expected to be appointed artistic director of Sicily’s storied but troubled Taormina Film Festival.
According to several sources Mueller, who in more recent years relocated to China, is expected to sign a contract on Thursday to become Taormina fest chief. The event is run by the Fondazione Taormina Arte Sicilia foundation currently being managed by Sergio Bonomo. Bonomo is a former board member of the foundation who was put in charge of Taormina Arte by the local government in January after political squabbles caused another board member to resign and the board to fall apart.
Mueller, 70, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Over the years he has amassed plenty of experience at Rotterdam, Locarno,...
According to several sources Mueller, who in more recent years relocated to China, is expected to sign a contract on Thursday to become Taormina fest chief. The event is run by the Fondazione Taormina Arte Sicilia foundation currently being managed by Sergio Bonomo. Bonomo is a former board member of the foundation who was put in charge of Taormina Arte by the local government in January after political squabbles caused another board member to resign and the board to fall apart.
Mueller, 70, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Over the years he has amassed plenty of experience at Rotterdam, Locarno,...
- 4/3/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli and Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Yellowstone has turned out to be among the most popular Western series of all time. Starring the likes of Kevin Costner, and created by Taylor Sheridan, the series has not only led to the creation of a huge fandom but also led to its ensemble cast climbing up in the ranks of popularity and influence.
Yellowstone
One such cast member is actor Forrie J. Smith. With a background in rodeo and wrangling, and being a pretty much all-rounder cowboy, the actor’s addition to the Yellowstone mythos has been well-liked, leading to Smith gaining over 511K followers on Instagram. Yet, his recent travel story, posted on his Instagram account, has attracted the fury of fans, leading to criticism.
Yellowstone Star Forrie J. Smith’s Travel Story Causes Controversy Actor Forrie J. Smith (via Yellowstone)
Forrie J. Smith stars as Lloyd Pierce in Yellowstone. Having starred in many shows and movies over the years,...
Yellowstone
One such cast member is actor Forrie J. Smith. With a background in rodeo and wrangling, and being a pretty much all-rounder cowboy, the actor’s addition to the Yellowstone mythos has been well-liked, leading to Smith gaining over 511K followers on Instagram. Yet, his recent travel story, posted on his Instagram account, has attracted the fury of fans, leading to criticism.
Yellowstone Star Forrie J. Smith’s Travel Story Causes Controversy Actor Forrie J. Smith (via Yellowstone)
Forrie J. Smith stars as Lloyd Pierce in Yellowstone. Having starred in many shows and movies over the years,...
- 3/26/2024
- by Maria Sultan
- FandomWire
Past Jeopardy! winners and fan-favorites have been invited to compete in the first-ever Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament, aka “Jit.” The games began on Wednesday, March 20, following Yogesh Raut’s Tournament of Champions victory on March 19. And fans were eager to see the first lineup of returning players in the new invitational. On the line for every player in this tourney is a $100,000 grand and an invitation to compete in the next Jeopardy Masters. Competing on March 20 were Andrew He, Dan Pawson, and Pam Mueller. He is the freshest player on fans’ memories from this group, as he last was seen on the game show in 2023 and his opponents last appeared years ago. He is a Season 38 five-game champion, 2022 Tournament of Champions first runner-up and 2023 “Jeopardy! Masters” fourth place finisher, and stay-at-home dad from Concord, California. Pawson is Season 24 nine-game champion, 2009 Tournament of Champions winner, and Battle of the Decades quarterfinalist, and...
- 3/21/2024
- TV Insider
Paul Manafort worked on Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign, was a central figure in Robert Mueller’s investigation into the campaign’s ties to Russia, and ultimately served prison time for a slew of financial crimes. Trump pardoned Manafort before he left office, and now wants to bring him onto his campaign to retake the White House, according to The Washington Post.
Manafort, a longtime lobbyist and fixture in Republican politics, served as the chairman of Trump’s 2016 campaign before being ousted from the role that August. His ties to Russia drew the attention of Mueller,...
Manafort, a longtime lobbyist and fixture in Republican politics, served as the chairman of Trump’s 2016 campaign before being ousted from the role that August. His ties to Russia drew the attention of Mueller,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Ryan Bort
- Rollingstone.com
When you look at media that fall under the fantasy umbrella, it’s usually based around a fantastical world that uses magic and has monsters or our own world has had something happen that allows for people to have special powers. There are also rarer occurrences like Sasaki and Peeps that showcase both of these facets. Having Sasaki navigate multiple worlds allows him to live out different lives within different storylines for each world and also lets this narrative become much more open-ended. Related: 15 Isekai to Watch If You're Tired of Iseaki Sasaki jumping between these different locations has allowed the series to truly showcase who Sasaki is as a character. We see him in each world where he has a unique role and job to provide, and it lets the story show his true colors as someone who just wants to help others and find a way to provide...
- 3/3/2024
- by Jared Clemons
- Crunchyroll
China’s Pingyao International Film Festival has officially named Lin Xudong as artistic director and revealed details of a fresh international film fund.
The announcement, made in Berlin during the European Film Market, also included the addition of seasoned film programmers Naoki Kamiya and Junko Fukatsu to the team. They will serve as programmers for foreign-language films, alongside existing team members Wu Jueren, the programmer for Chinese language films, and shorts programmer Song Jia.
Pyiff’s programme was previously overseen by former artistic director Marco Mueller from 2017 to 2021. Lin stepped in at that time and Mueller became chief consultant for the festival,...
The announcement, made in Berlin during the European Film Market, also included the addition of seasoned film programmers Naoki Kamiya and Junko Fukatsu to the team. They will serve as programmers for foreign-language films, alongside existing team members Wu Jueren, the programmer for Chinese language films, and shorts programmer Song Jia.
Pyiff’s programme was previously overseen by former artistic director Marco Mueller from 2017 to 2021. Lin stepped in at that time and Mueller became chief consultant for the festival,...
- 2/20/2024
- ScreenDaily
China’s Pingyao International Film Festival has confirmed Lin Xudong as its new artistic director and revealed seasoned film programmers Kamiya Naoki and Fukatsu Junko as its programmers for foreign-language films.
The festival, founded by leading independent filmmaker Jia Zhangke, already counts Wu Jueren as its programmer for Chinese language films and Song Jia, as programmer for short films.
The announcements were made in Berlin on Sunday. At the same event the executive committee of Wings International was introduced as Jia, Tang Yan (chairman and CEO of Chinese social media firm Hello Group), Japanese film producer Ichiyama Shozo, Hong Kong film programmer Jacob Wong, and Casper Liang, CEO of Pingyao International Film Festival. The fund aims to support five foreign film projects of finished script each year.
Lin is a chronicler of the New Chinese Documentary Film movement and has hosted documentary film events in Beijing in 1997 and 2004, as well...
The festival, founded by leading independent filmmaker Jia Zhangke, already counts Wu Jueren as its programmer for Chinese language films and Song Jia, as programmer for short films.
The announcements were made in Berlin on Sunday. At the same event the executive committee of Wings International was introduced as Jia, Tang Yan (chairman and CEO of Chinese social media firm Hello Group), Japanese film producer Ichiyama Shozo, Hong Kong film programmer Jacob Wong, and Casper Liang, CEO of Pingyao International Film Festival. The fund aims to support five foreign film projects of finished script each year.
Lin is a chronicler of the New Chinese Documentary Film movement and has hosted documentary film events in Beijing in 1997 and 2004, as well...
- 2/20/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Live theater serves a therapeutic role for the actors involved in “Ghostlight,” an emotional “let’s put on a show”-style indie that, fittingly enough, came together during last year’s actors strike. The sensitive — but also considerably more conservative — follow-up project for “Saint Frances” screenwriter Kelly O’Sullivan and co-director (and partner) Alex Thompson celebrates the healing power of art, as a family shaken by its eldest son’s suicide uses a community theater production of “Romeo and Juliet” to work through emotions they haven’t been able to discuss openly at home.
O’Sullivan has a natural storytelling gift, coupled with a knack for comedy. Here, she takes elements that feature regularly in Sundance Film Festival dramas — grieving families, difficult teens, small-town communities — and rearranges them into a surprising and moving narrative. (Small wonder that the film was invited to premiere in Park City.) Some might reject that approach as being manipulative,...
O’Sullivan has a natural storytelling gift, coupled with a knack for comedy. Here, she takes elements that feature regularly in Sundance Film Festival dramas — grieving families, difficult teens, small-town communities — and rearranges them into a surprising and moving narrative. (Small wonder that the film was invited to premiere in Park City.) Some might reject that approach as being manipulative,...
- 1/19/2024
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Most reviews of Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson’s tender dramedy “Ghostlight” are likely to start with a definition of the title, but we’ll try to subvert that expectation a bit here.
Instead, we’ll open with a quote from this publication (and this very writer) on the pair’s uncanny knack for making gems that have loglines that don’t (that can’t) do justice to the tales they spin. The pair’s first feature, the similarly winning “Saint Frances,” packed what seemed like a downer of a description: “After an accidental pregnancy turned abortion, a deadbeat nanny finds an unlikely friendship with the 6-year-old she’s charged with protecting.” As the duo told IndieWire in 2021, “We struggled with that line too. It’s so funny, every time we describe the movie, we just want to say like, ‘We know, but—’” (that’s O’Sullivan), with Thompson cutting in,...
Instead, we’ll open with a quote from this publication (and this very writer) on the pair’s uncanny knack for making gems that have loglines that don’t (that can’t) do justice to the tales they spin. The pair’s first feature, the similarly winning “Saint Frances,” packed what seemed like a downer of a description: “After an accidental pregnancy turned abortion, a deadbeat nanny finds an unlikely friendship with the 6-year-old she’s charged with protecting.” As the duo told IndieWire in 2021, “We struggled with that line too. It’s so funny, every time we describe the movie, we just want to say like, ‘We know, but—’” (that’s O’Sullivan), with Thompson cutting in,...
- 1/19/2024
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
A prize ceremony attended by Hamaguchi Ryusuke (“Drive My Car”), Vinod Vidhu Chopra (“3 Idiots”), Amir Naderi and Yonfan on Thursday wrapped up the final event of the debut edition of the Festival of Young Cinema in Macau.
Following a week (Jan. 6-11) of industry-only screenings and presentations of 17 partly-completed films by emerging directors and producers from the region, the prizes went to four work-in-progress films from mainland China and one from Macau.
A jury consisting of producer Jeremy Chua, the Jio Mami Mumbai festival’s artistic director Deepti DCunha, Chinese producer Wang Yang, Chinese screenwriter Wang Yixin and Hong Kong-based executive Esther Yeung determined the in-kind prizes according to the needs of the productions.
“Macau is a very small place, but people here have a big heart,” said Weng Tingting, director of “Revisit,” the tale of a reluctant care-giver which earned a special mention. “I used all the money...
Following a week (Jan. 6-11) of industry-only screenings and presentations of 17 partly-completed films by emerging directors and producers from the region, the prizes went to four work-in-progress films from mainland China and one from Macau.
A jury consisting of producer Jeremy Chua, the Jio Mami Mumbai festival’s artistic director Deepti DCunha, Chinese producer Wang Yang, Chinese screenwriter Wang Yixin and Hong Kong-based executive Esther Yeung determined the in-kind prizes according to the needs of the productions.
“Macau is a very small place, but people here have a big heart,” said Weng Tingting, director of “Revisit,” the tale of a reluctant care-giver which earned a special mention. “I used all the money...
- 1/11/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
“I don’t find the definition of Chinese filmmakers by generation to be a useful tool,” said Marco Mueller, introducing dark satire “The Movie Emperor” as the opening film of the first edition of his Festival of Young Cinema (Asia-Europe) in Macau on Friday. “Much more interesting is the concept of exchange between new and old and between East and West.”
“The new forces of Chinese cinema are present and participating. More than 100 young filmmakers will have the opportunity to meet and interact with names including Amir Naderi, Aleksei German Jr and Yonfan,” Mueller continued. While Macau is these days best known for its high-tech casinos, the former Portuguese colony has long been a venue for international cultural exchange and retains ambitions to restore some of that diversity.
Along with screenings of 27 films and 17 works in progress, masterclasses and on-stage dialogs are a key educational tool on offer at the...
“The new forces of Chinese cinema are present and participating. More than 100 young filmmakers will have the opportunity to meet and interact with names including Amir Naderi, Aleksei German Jr and Yonfan,” Mueller continued. While Macau is these days best known for its high-tech casinos, the former Portuguese colony has long been a venue for international cultural exchange and retains ambitions to restore some of that diversity.
Along with screenings of 27 films and 17 works in progress, masterclasses and on-stage dialogs are a key educational tool on offer at the...
- 1/5/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Ning Hao’s The Movie Emperor will screen as the opening film of Macau’s Asia-Europe Young Cinema Film Festival, which is holding its inaugural edition from January 5-11. Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail, recently a hit in India, will screen as the closing film.
The event has two major sections – a programme of masterclasses and screenings aimed at young directors, film students and local audiences, and a Works-in-Progress (WiP) Lab, which will be attended by international sales agents, distributors and festival programmers.
The masterclasses will be held by leading international filmmakers including several from the Chinese-speaking world – Ning Hao, Li Dongmei, Johnnie To, Yon Fan and Lee Hong-chi – along with Japanese filmmakers Ryosuke Hamaguchi and Shinya Tsukamoto, Russia’s Aleksey German Jr, Italy’s Gabriel Menetti, India’s Anurag Kashyap, Lav Diaz from the Philippines and Iranian filmmaker Amir Naderi.
China Film Directors Association is actively involved in...
The event has two major sections – a programme of masterclasses and screenings aimed at young directors, film students and local audiences, and a Works-in-Progress (WiP) Lab, which will be attended by international sales agents, distributors and festival programmers.
The masterclasses will be held by leading international filmmakers including several from the Chinese-speaking world – Ning Hao, Li Dongmei, Johnnie To, Yon Fan and Lee Hong-chi – along with Japanese filmmakers Ryosuke Hamaguchi and Shinya Tsukamoto, Russia’s Aleksey German Jr, Italy’s Gabriel Menetti, India’s Anurag Kashyap, Lav Diaz from the Philippines and Iranian filmmaker Amir Naderi.
China Film Directors Association is actively involved in...
- 1/4/2024
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
In the Dateline NBC episode titled “Without a Trace,” airing on December 30, 2023, the story revolves around the disappearance of 29-year-old Carrie Olson. When Carrie doesn’t show up for work and is reported missing, her community comes together to search for her. Detectives become suspicious of foul play and begin to focus their investigation on two men in her life.
The episode delves into the mystery surrounding Carrie Olson’s disappearance, the efforts to locate her, and the investigative process that leads authorities to consider foul play. It’s a gripping tale of a community’s determination to find a missing person and the detectives’ efforts to uncover the truth about what happened to her.
What Happened to Carrie Olson & Killer Tim McVay?
In the ongoing case involving Tim McVay, a 48-year-old man, he was convicted of a homicide in 2015 in connection with the disappearance of 29-year-old Carrie Olson in...
The episode delves into the mystery surrounding Carrie Olson’s disappearance, the efforts to locate her, and the investigative process that leads authorities to consider foul play. It’s a gripping tale of a community’s determination to find a missing person and the detectives’ efforts to uncover the truth about what happened to her.
What Happened to Carrie Olson & Killer Tim McVay?
In the ongoing case involving Tim McVay, a 48-year-old man, he was convicted of a homicide in 2015 in connection with the disappearance of 29-year-old Carrie Olson in...
- 12/28/2023
- by Alex Matthews
- TV Regular
Festival veteran Marco Mueller will oversee the new festival, which is set to launch in January.
Veteran festival director Marco Mueller is set to launch a new festival in Macau, with an industry strand led by former Cannes Marche du Film executive director Jerome Paillard.
The Asia-Europe Festival of Young Cinema will run from January 5-11 and aims to serve audiences from Macau, Hong Kong and mainland China while bringing together film industry professionals from East and West.
The opening weekend will be focussed on the public-facing screenings of between 35 and 40 films, built around 15 masterclasses with filmmakers including Japan’s Hamaguchi Ryusuke,...
Veteran festival director Marco Mueller is set to launch a new festival in Macau, with an industry strand led by former Cannes Marche du Film executive director Jerome Paillard.
The Asia-Europe Festival of Young Cinema will run from January 5-11 and aims to serve audiences from Macau, Hong Kong and mainland China while bringing together film industry professionals from East and West.
The opening weekend will be focussed on the public-facing screenings of between 35 and 40 films, built around 15 masterclasses with filmmakers including Japan’s Hamaguchi Ryusuke,...
- 11/23/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Veteran film festival director Marco Mueller is working with the Macau government to launch a new film festival, Asia-Europe Young Cinema Festival, which is scheduled to take place in Macau from January 5-11.
Former Cannes Marche chief Jerome Paillard has also joined as Industry Coordinator, with Beijing-based Shanshan Cao, an independent producer and former CAA China executive, heading the China and Asia side of the event.
Organized with the Macau Cultural Affairs Bureau, the event aims to connect the mainland China market with international buyers and sellers, as well as support new Chinese talent and host a series of film education programmes.
More than 30 European and Asian sales companies will be screening features for theatrical and streaming buyers from China, Macau and Hong Kong. International film festival programmers will also be attending the event.
While venues are still being confirmed, the event will be held in Macau’s high-end hotels with adjacent screening facilities.
Former Cannes Marche chief Jerome Paillard has also joined as Industry Coordinator, with Beijing-based Shanshan Cao, an independent producer and former CAA China executive, heading the China and Asia side of the event.
Organized with the Macau Cultural Affairs Bureau, the event aims to connect the mainland China market with international buyers and sellers, as well as support new Chinese talent and host a series of film education programmes.
More than 30 European and Asian sales companies will be screening features for theatrical and streaming buyers from China, Macau and Hong Kong. International film festival programmers will also be attending the event.
While venues are still being confirmed, the event will be held in Macau’s high-end hotels with adjacent screening facilities.
- 11/23/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
Marco Mueller, the veteran film festival curator and director, is set to launch a new festival and market in Macau. It will have its first edition in January.
The Asia-Europe Young Cinema Festival, running Jan. 5-11, will operate as a bridge between the mainland China markets and audiences and the production and sales industries behind arthouse cinema from Europe and other parts of Asia. Industry and public functions will be evenly matched.
To be held at high-end venues, some with en-suite screening rooms, the industry side will be built around presentations of footage and trailers from the upcoming slates of some 30 European and Asian film sales companies. The industry-focused audience will comprise representatives from around 20 mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwanese film distributors, as well as delegates from several major European festivals.
Mueller has also booked 15 masterclass presentations by major directors, including Hamaguchi Ryusuke (“Evil Does Not Exist”), Luca Guadagnino (“Call Me by Your Name...
The Asia-Europe Young Cinema Festival, running Jan. 5-11, will operate as a bridge between the mainland China markets and audiences and the production and sales industries behind arthouse cinema from Europe and other parts of Asia. Industry and public functions will be evenly matched.
To be held at high-end venues, some with en-suite screening rooms, the industry side will be built around presentations of footage and trailers from the upcoming slates of some 30 European and Asian film sales companies. The industry-focused audience will comprise representatives from around 20 mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwanese film distributors, as well as delegates from several major European festivals.
Mueller has also booked 15 masterclass presentations by major directors, including Hamaguchi Ryusuke (“Evil Does Not Exist”), Luca Guadagnino (“Call Me by Your Name...
- 11/23/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Paula Reid, has been named CNN’s chief legal affairs correspondent, a vote of confidence in the reporter who joined the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed outlet in 2021.
Reid has been highly visible on CNN in recent months, covering federal and state investigations into former President Trump as well as a Special Counsel probe into President Biden’s handling of classified documents during his time as vice president. Reid was part of a team that broke the news that Trump had been captured on audio tape discussing a classified document he kept after leaving the White House. She has also been spotted working as a substitute anchor for various personnel.”
She had worked previously for CBS News, which she joined in 2010. While there, she worked her way up to becoming a White House correspondent after covering the justice beat. She led CBS News’ coverage of Special Counsel Robert Mueller and major...
Reid has been highly visible on CNN in recent months, covering federal and state investigations into former President Trump as well as a Special Counsel probe into President Biden’s handling of classified documents during his time as vice president. Reid was part of a team that broke the news that Trump had been captured on audio tape discussing a classified document he kept after leaving the White House. She has also been spotted working as a substitute anchor for various personnel.”
She had worked previously for CBS News, which she joined in 2010. While there, she worked her way up to becoming a White House correspondent after covering the justice beat. She led CBS News’ coverage of Special Counsel Robert Mueller and major...
- 10/16/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
In the past several months, Donald Trump has had a burning question for some of his confidants and attorneys:
Would the authorities make him wear “one of those jumpsuits” in prison?
As the criminal cases against him have piled up, the former president and 2024 GOP frontrunner has wondered aloud in recent months about what life would be like if he’s convicted, and if appeals fail. While Trump publicly professes confidence, privately, three sources familiar with his comments say, he’s been asking lawyers and other people close to him...
Would the authorities make him wear “one of those jumpsuits” in prison?
As the criminal cases against him have piled up, the former president and 2024 GOP frontrunner has wondered aloud in recent months about what life would be like if he’s convicted, and if appeals fail. While Trump publicly professes confidence, privately, three sources familiar with his comments say, he’s been asking lawyers and other people close to him...
- 9/20/2023
- by Adam Rawnsley and Asawin Suebsaeng
- Rollingstone.com
Danny Masterson is headed to prison.
The That '70s Show alum was sentenced to 30 years after being convicted of rape earlier this year.
Ahead of the sentencing, it was reported that he faced a sentence of 30 years to life in prison.
The news comes months after a jury of seven women and five men found Masterson guilty of two of three rape counts after seven days of deliberations.
Masterson was accused of raping three women at his Hollywood Hills home from 2001 and 2003, at the height of his fame on the Fox comedy series.
The actor's first trial ended last year in a mistrial, but the judge opted to re-try The Ranch alum with a different set of jurors.
All three women in the case opened up to the judge about how Masterson's crimes had ruined their lives and requested that he be given life behind bars.
In the initial trial,...
The That '70s Show alum was sentenced to 30 years after being convicted of rape earlier this year.
Ahead of the sentencing, it was reported that he faced a sentence of 30 years to life in prison.
The news comes months after a jury of seven women and five men found Masterson guilty of two of three rape counts after seven days of deliberations.
Masterson was accused of raping three women at his Hollywood Hills home from 2001 and 2003, at the height of his fame on the Fox comedy series.
The actor's first trial ended last year in a mistrial, but the judge opted to re-try The Ranch alum with a different set of jurors.
All three women in the case opened up to the judge about how Masterson's crimes had ruined their lives and requested that he be given life behind bars.
In the initial trial,...
- 9/7/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Danny Masterson was sentenced on Thursday to 30 years to life in prison for the rapes of two women in the early 2000s, after a trial that drew widespread attention due to allegations that the Church of Scientology dissuaded his accusers from reporting the sexual assaults.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo handed down the sentence after denying a motion from Masterson, known for his role on That ’70s Show, for a new trial and hearing statements from accusers of how his actions impacted their lives.
The decision caps one of the most high-profile cases of the #MeToo movement and marks one of the few instances a major figure in Hollywood will serve time behind bars for sex crimes that occurred a significant period of time before a criminal case was filed over the allegations. Masterson was charged in June 2020 following a three-year investigation that was initiated when three...
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo handed down the sentence after denying a motion from Masterson, known for his role on That ’70s Show, for a new trial and hearing statements from accusers of how his actions impacted their lives.
The decision caps one of the most high-profile cases of the #MeToo movement and marks one of the few instances a major figure in Hollywood will serve time behind bars for sex crimes that occurred a significant period of time before a criminal case was filed over the allegations. Masterson was charged in June 2020 following a three-year investigation that was initiated when three...
- 9/7/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Danny Masterson was sentenced Thursday to the maximum 30-years-to-life in prison for raping two women in 2001 and 2003.
Masterson, 47, will be eligible for parole after 25½ years but can be held in prison for life. He did not visibly react to the sentencing from the judge. Masterson had earlier waived his right to speak at the sentencing hearing.
The former “That ’70s Show” star was found guilty of the two charges in May. At the time, the jury could not agree on a third count of rape brought by another Jane Doe, which would have upped his potential sentence to 40 years-to-life.
The first rape victim, Chrissy B, said in a victim impact statement at the sentencing hearing that the actor called her “stupid, untalented, embarrassing, trash.”
Masterson, who will get credit for the 115 days he has already served, has been in custody since his conviction after being deemed a flight risk. He...
Masterson, 47, will be eligible for parole after 25½ years but can be held in prison for life. He did not visibly react to the sentencing from the judge. Masterson had earlier waived his right to speak at the sentencing hearing.
The former “That ’70s Show” star was found guilty of the two charges in May. At the time, the jury could not agree on a third count of rape brought by another Jane Doe, which would have upped his potential sentence to 40 years-to-life.
The first rape victim, Chrissy B, said in a victim impact statement at the sentencing hearing that the actor called her “stupid, untalented, embarrassing, trash.”
Masterson, who will get credit for the 115 days he has already served, has been in custody since his conviction after being deemed a flight risk. He...
- 9/7/2023
- by Kelly Hartog
- The Wrap
Sam Patten became briefly notorious during special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe of alleged Russian collusion in the 2016 U.S. presidential election when Patten pled guilty to failing to register as a foreign agent for a Ukrainian politician. An international political operative, Patten had worked on the same team in Ukraine as Paul Manafort, later one of Donald Trump’s campaign chairmen. Patten had also worked for the London-based Cambridge Analytica, the data-mining political operation made infamous during the 2016 election, prompting commentators like MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow to question whether...
- 9/2/2023
- by Sam Patten
- Rollingstone.com
Stars: Tito Ortiz, Rafael Cansino, Mike Ferguson, Paul Bikibili, Cris “Cyborg” Justino, Mike Markoff, Kelsey Johnson, Johnny Llanes, Jenna Pena | Written and Directed by Jamaal Burden
As if the fact its title works out to “Operation Black Operations” wasn’t enough of a warning, we’re not even two minutes into Operation Black Ops when the orange ring around the barrel of one of the character’s weapons is clearly visible.
Noah is on his knees spitting blood in a warehouse that’s playing host to an underground fight. Luckily for him, his opponent is busy celebrating so he has plenty of time to recover, get back up and knock him the fuck out with one punch. As he walks off he sees a man in a military uniform and motions for them to follow him.
That man is Georg Doerfflinger (Rafael Cansino; What No One Tells the Bride) and...
As if the fact its title works out to “Operation Black Operations” wasn’t enough of a warning, we’re not even two minutes into Operation Black Ops when the orange ring around the barrel of one of the character’s weapons is clearly visible.
Noah is on his knees spitting blood in a warehouse that’s playing host to an underground fight. Luckily for him, his opponent is busy celebrating so he has plenty of time to recover, get back up and knock him the fuck out with one punch. As he walks off he sees a man in a military uniform and motions for them to follow him.
That man is Georg Doerfflinger (Rafael Cansino; What No One Tells the Bride) and...
- 7/11/2023
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
Update: The House voted 213-209 to censure Rep. Adam Schiff (D-ca), as Democrats jeered loudly in the chamber as the roll call wrapped up.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) then moved to give Schiff a verbal rebuke as Democrats shouted “shame” and “disgrace.” They continued to shout as McCarthy began to read the censure resolution, to the point where the speaker said of the interruptions, “I have all night.” Members had surrounded Schiff as he appeared in the well of the House chamber to listen to the resolution.
After the vote, Schiff hugged and shook hands with Democratic colleagues, as some chanted, “Adam! Adam!”
Six members, all Republicans, voted present.
The resolution accuses Schiff of misleading the American public on Donald Trump and Russia.
Schiff later wrote a message on his campaign account, with a link to a fundraising page.
He wrote, “Maga Republicans passed their resolution to censure me.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) then moved to give Schiff a verbal rebuke as Democrats shouted “shame” and “disgrace.” They continued to shout as McCarthy began to read the censure resolution, to the point where the speaker said of the interruptions, “I have all night.” Members had surrounded Schiff as he appeared in the well of the House chamber to listen to the resolution.
After the vote, Schiff hugged and shook hands with Democratic colleagues, as some chanted, “Adam! Adam!”
Six members, all Republicans, voted present.
The resolution accuses Schiff of misleading the American public on Donald Trump and Russia.
Schiff later wrote a message on his campaign account, with a link to a fundraising page.
He wrote, “Maga Republicans passed their resolution to censure me.
- 6/21/2023
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Former Attorney General Bill Barr went on Fox News Sunday and thoroughly dismantled nearly any argument Donald Trump could make defending his innocence in removing highly classified and sensitive information from the White House and storing it at Mar-a-Lago. According to Barr, the indictment against the former president is “very, very damning.”
Bill Barr: "It's a very detailed indictment, and it is very, very damning. This idea of presenting Trump as a victim here, a victim of a witch hunt is ridiculous…He's not a victim here. He was totally wrong.
Bill Barr: "It's a very detailed indictment, and it is very, very damning. This idea of presenting Trump as a victim here, a victim of a witch hunt is ridiculous…He's not a victim here. He was totally wrong.
- 6/11/2023
- by Peter Wade
- Rollingstone.com
On the morning of April 25, testimony began in the second rape trial of That ’70s Show actor Danny Masterson after an initial trial ended last November in a hung jury and mistrial.
The first witness on the stand was one of Masterson’s alleged victims, Jane Doe 3, who had been in a relationship with Masterson between 1996 and 2002.
Deputy Da Reinhold Mueller asked her how she was feeling.
“Not great,” she said.
When Mueller asked what might be causing her concern about testifying, she said, “I’m scared.”
“What are you scared of?...
The first witness on the stand was one of Masterson’s alleged victims, Jane Doe 3, who had been in a relationship with Masterson between 1996 and 2002.
Deputy Da Reinhold Mueller asked her how she was feeling.
“Not great,” she said.
When Mueller asked what might be causing her concern about testifying, she said, “I’m scared.”
“What are you scared of?...
- 6/6/2023
- by Tony Ortega
- Rollingstone.com
Donald Trump just needs a few names.
In recent months, the former president has asked close advisers, including at least one of his personal attorneys, if “we know” all the names of senior FBI agents and Justice Department personnel who have worked on the federal probes into him. That’s according to two sources with direct knowledge of the matter and another person briefed on it.
Trump has then privately discussed that should he return to the White House, it is imperative his new Department of Justice “quickly” and “immediately...
In recent months, the former president has asked close advisers, including at least one of his personal attorneys, if “we know” all the names of senior FBI agents and Justice Department personnel who have worked on the federal probes into him. That’s according to two sources with direct knowledge of the matter and another person briefed on it.
Trump has then privately discussed that should he return to the White House, it is imperative his new Department of Justice “quickly” and “immediately...
- 5/30/2023
- by Asawin Suebsaeng and Adam Rawnsley
- Rollingstone.com
A jury of seven women and five men began deliberating Wednesday in the rape re-trial of Danny Masterson, and are all but assured to render the final word on the fate of the “That ’70s Show” actor accused of drugging and raping three women in separate but similar incidents at his Hollywood Hills home in the early 2000s.
Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller delivered the conclusion to his closing argument Monday, Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo delivered instructions to the panel, and they were under way. Masterson’s defense team delivered its entire closing argument Wednesday, focusing on inconsistencies in the stories of each of the three victims, all former Scientologists, and suggesting they were in cahoots to lash out at the church and win a separate civil lawsuit.
Los Angeles prosecutors chose to re-try Masterson after a hung jury and mistrial last November. This time around, prosecutors focused...
Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller delivered the conclusion to his closing argument Monday, Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo delivered instructions to the panel, and they were under way. Masterson’s defense team delivered its entire closing argument Wednesday, focusing on inconsistencies in the stories of each of the three victims, all former Scientologists, and suggesting they were in cahoots to lash out at the church and win a separate civil lawsuit.
Los Angeles prosecutors chose to re-try Masterson after a hung jury and mistrial last November. This time around, prosecutors focused...
- 5/17/2023
- by Josh Dickey
- The Wrap
A jury in the second rape trial of Danny Masterson was expected to begin deliberating Wednesday after a brief wrap-up from the prosecution concludes its closing arguments.
The prosecution began closings first on Tuesday, with Deputy District Attorneys Ariel Anson and Reinhold Mueller taking turns throughout the day. Los Angeles prosecutors chose to re-try Masterson after a hung jury and mistrial last November.
This time around, prosecutors focused more on the allegation that Masterson somehow drugged his victims, brining on expert witnesses and saying outright – as opposed to merely inferring – that the “That ’70s Show” star used some kind of date-rape drug to get “control” of his victims.
“It all starts with a drink. How many times have you hear the defendant give a drink to an unsusepecting victim?” Anson said to begin her closing statement. “This is what he does. Over the last few weeks you’ve learned a lot about the defendant,...
The prosecution began closings first on Tuesday, with Deputy District Attorneys Ariel Anson and Reinhold Mueller taking turns throughout the day. Los Angeles prosecutors chose to re-try Masterson after a hung jury and mistrial last November.
This time around, prosecutors focused more on the allegation that Masterson somehow drugged his victims, brining on expert witnesses and saying outright – as opposed to merely inferring – that the “That ’70s Show” star used some kind of date-rape drug to get “control” of his victims.
“It all starts with a drink. How many times have you hear the defendant give a drink to an unsusepecting victim?” Anson said to begin her closing statement. “This is what he does. Over the last few weeks you’ve learned a lot about the defendant,...
- 5/17/2023
- by Josh Dickey
- The Wrap
Update, 3:51 Pm: “For every inconsistency, there will be some excuse to make up for it,” proclaimed defense attorney Phillip Cohen Tuesday afternoon of the prosecution’s case in his last pitch in Danny Masterson’s rape retrial.
“I’m not claiming that there is some grand conspiracy,” the lawyer told the jury in his closing statement of the three Jane Does who Masterson is alleged to have sexually assaulted. “But with respect to the Jane Does,” their stories “have been tweaked, it doesn’t take a whole lot …a tweak here, massaging a word there,” the colorfully attired attorney added of what the three former Scientologists have said, and have perhaps said to each other since the alleged rapes occurred over 20 years ago in the former That 70s Show actor and prominent Scientologist’s Hollywood Hills home.
Putting the notion of “contamination” by the trio and the prosecution at...
“I’m not claiming that there is some grand conspiracy,” the lawyer told the jury in his closing statement of the three Jane Does who Masterson is alleged to have sexually assaulted. “But with respect to the Jane Does,” their stories “have been tweaked, it doesn’t take a whole lot …a tweak here, massaging a word there,” the colorfully attired attorney added of what the three former Scientologists have said, and have perhaps said to each other since the alleged rapes occurred over 20 years ago in the former That 70s Show actor and prominent Scientologist’s Hollywood Hills home.
Putting the notion of “contamination” by the trio and the prosecution at...
- 5/16/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Closing statements for Danny Masterson’s criminal rape retrial ended on Wednesday morning in court in Downtown Los Angeles, and the case now goes to the jury to deliberate. Prosecutors harkened back to violent allegations that Danny Masterson drugged and raped three women during their closing argument for the That ’70s Show star’s retrial and asked the jury to hold Masterson accountable and convict him. Masterson’s attorneys, meanwhile, pointed to inconsistencies in the victims’ stories that they said tarnished their credibility.
As longtime Scientology reporter Tony Ortega reported...
As longtime Scientology reporter Tony Ortega reported...
- 5/16/2023
- by Ethan Millman
- Rollingstone.com
Three weeks after opening statements began, Danny Masterson’s rape retrial rested today. Yet, with the former That 70’s Show actor once again facing a trio of sexual assault charges and potentially years behind bars, the Church of Scientology is back in the courtroom spotlight.
After the prosecution ended its case early Friday and the defense called no witnesses, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo said closing arguments would start Tuesday. That could see the jury deliberating behind closed doors by Wednesday and a verdict in the following days.
However, partially overshadowing those deliberations might be a very serious sharing of information.
Somehow a lawyer representing the David Miscavige-led church, which is not a defendant in this criminal case, has come into possession of a large swath of the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office’s discovery material in this matter. Going off like a legal landmine, the...
After the prosecution ended its case early Friday and the defense called no witnesses, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo said closing arguments would start Tuesday. That could see the jury deliberating behind closed doors by Wednesday and a verdict in the following days.
However, partially overshadowing those deliberations might be a very serious sharing of information.
Somehow a lawyer representing the David Miscavige-led church, which is not a defendant in this criminal case, has come into possession of a large swath of the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office’s discovery material in this matter. Going off like a legal landmine, the...
- 5/12/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Josh Segarra could be Hollywood’s biggest fan. The actor, who has been working steadily for the past 15 years — first with day gigs like a scene in the Homeland pilot shortly after his graduation from NYU, later with recurring roles on Chicago P.D. and Orange Is the New Black — is effusive, bordering on glowing, about the business. He remembers details about every guest spot he’s ever done, every executive or star who’s helped him to where he is today. Claire Danes was “so sweet and kind” and did crossword puzzles on set; John Leguizamo was “awesome”; Kevin Bacon offered some banter about the New York Giants to calm some nerves. “It hasn’t been lost on me when somebody can tell I’ve got stars in my eyes and takes the time to give me a hug,” he says. “It’s why I’ll never stop being a fan of this business.
- 4/26/2023
- by Seija Rankin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Danny Masterson’s rape retrial began on Monday with opening statements. Prosecutors once again told jurors in court in Los Angeles during their opening statements that the That ’70s Show star forcibly raped three women nearly 20 years ago. Masterson, who has denied the claims and pleaded not guilty, faces 45 years in prison if convicted.
As Variety reports, compared to last trial — which ended last November in a mistrial after jurors couldn’t reach agreement on a single charge — Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller appears to be honing in much more...
As Variety reports, compared to last trial — which ended last November in a mistrial after jurors couldn’t reach agreement on a single charge — Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller appears to be honing in much more...
- 4/25/2023
- by Ethan Millman
- Rollingstone.com
After a mistrial was declared with a hung jury last year, Danny Masterson’s second rape trial began with a more aggressive and pointed approach from the prosecution who repeatedly told the new jury that they will present evidence that proves the former star of “That 70’s Show” drugged women before he forcibly raped them.
“The evidence will show they were drugged,” said Los Angeles deputy district attorney Reinhold Mueller in his opening statement on Monday, speaking of the four women who will testify against Masterson during the trial. “The symptoms that they’re going to describe,” Mueller told the jury, will include “lightheadedness, loss of vision, loss of motor skills, loss of strength, inability to control their body, vaginal pain, anal pain, all occurring after the defendant had given them an alcoholic beverage and all occurring within a matter of minutes.”
Speaking of one of the Jane Doe’s,...
“The evidence will show they were drugged,” said Los Angeles deputy district attorney Reinhold Mueller in his opening statement on Monday, speaking of the four women who will testify against Masterson during the trial. “The symptoms that they’re going to describe,” Mueller told the jury, will include “lightheadedness, loss of vision, loss of motor skills, loss of strength, inability to control their body, vaginal pain, anal pain, all occurring after the defendant had given them an alcoholic beverage and all occurring within a matter of minutes.”
Speaking of one of the Jane Doe’s,...
- 4/24/2023
- by Elizabeth Wagmeister
- Variety Film + TV
Updated, 3:08 Pm: “Please don’t ever tell me to hold on,” Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo snapped at Danny Masterson’s lead lawyer Phillip Cohen in a remarkable moment Monday afternoon over the defense’s opening statements in Masterson’s rape retrial.
With the jury sent out of the courtroom suddenly less than half an hour into Cohen’s remarks, Olmedo made it clear to all in the full courtroom that this trial was not going to be run like the last one last year.
“The court is not going to allow the parties to go into the weeds,” the judge said sternly to both the defense and the prosecution Monday as the same problems that slowed down the previous five-week trial began to emerge. Pledging no sidebars and other occasions that could eat up time in the retrial, Olmedo got to a place today that it...
With the jury sent out of the courtroom suddenly less than half an hour into Cohen’s remarks, Olmedo made it clear to all in the full courtroom that this trial was not going to be run like the last one last year.
“The court is not going to allow the parties to go into the weeds,” the judge said sternly to both the defense and the prosecution Monday as the same problems that slowed down the previous five-week trial began to emerge. Pledging no sidebars and other occasions that could eat up time in the retrial, Olmedo got to a place today that it...
- 4/24/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
“That ’70s Show” actor Danny Masterson is back on trial again.
The new trial began on Monday morning with jury selection in downtown Los Angeles, after the jury in Masterson’s first trial last year failed to reach an unanimous verdict, stating they were “hopelessly deadlocked.” With a hung jury, a mistrial was declared in November and Judge Charlaine Olmedo denied a defense request to dismiss the case.
Now, Masterson will face the same three rape charges associated with the same three alleged victims, but in front of a new jury.
Masterson — who maintains his innocence — is accused of forcibly raping the women at his home in the Hollywood Hills in incidents spanning from 2001 to 2003. At the time, he was starring on the hit sitcom “That ’70s Show,” which ran on Fox from 1998 through 2006.
Masterson’s first trial began last October and spanned over the course of two months with lengthy deliberations.
The new trial began on Monday morning with jury selection in downtown Los Angeles, after the jury in Masterson’s first trial last year failed to reach an unanimous verdict, stating they were “hopelessly deadlocked.” With a hung jury, a mistrial was declared in November and Judge Charlaine Olmedo denied a defense request to dismiss the case.
Now, Masterson will face the same three rape charges associated with the same three alleged victims, but in front of a new jury.
Masterson — who maintains his innocence — is accused of forcibly raping the women at his home in the Hollywood Hills in incidents spanning from 2001 to 2003. At the time, he was starring on the hit sitcom “That ’70s Show,” which ran on Fox from 1998 through 2006.
Masterson’s first trial began last October and spanned over the course of two months with lengthy deliberations.
- 4/17/2023
- by Elizabeth Wagmeister
- Variety Film + TV
The retrial of Danny Masterson on three separate rape charges began Monday in downtown Los Angeles, in the same courtroom where many of the same witnesses testified late last year. That six-week affair ended in a mistrial, with jurors voting heavily toward acquitting the “That ’70s Show Star” – making prosecutors’ pursuit of a do-over something of a surprise.
But District Attorney Reinhold Mueller has reworked his approach, and will be focusing on an additional witness as well as new experts to bolster accusers’ testimony. Mueller has also said he gleaned a lot of information from speaking with jurors after the first trial, as well as while listening to a subsequent Scientology podcast interview with the jury foreperson.
Masterson was in court Monday, wearing a dark suit with red socks and brown shoes. He waved hello to prospective jurors as he was introduced but did not speak, and his attorney Philip Cohen...
But District Attorney Reinhold Mueller has reworked his approach, and will be focusing on an additional witness as well as new experts to bolster accusers’ testimony. Mueller has also said he gleaned a lot of information from speaking with jurors after the first trial, as well as while listening to a subsequent Scientology podcast interview with the jury foreperson.
Masterson was in court Monday, wearing a dark suit with red socks and brown shoes. He waved hello to prospective jurors as he was introduced but did not speak, and his attorney Philip Cohen...
- 4/17/2023
- by Kelly Hartog
- The Wrap
Following his lie-laden Waco rally, Donald Trump claimed that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg “already dropped” the case against him for allegedly covering up a hush money payment to adult actress Stormy Daniels. Bragg has made no public statement that he is dropping the case. Meanwhile, Trump’s attorneys have warned him to be prepared to lose if Bragg indicts him.
“I think they’ve already dropped the case. From what I understand, I think it’s been dropped,” Trump said on his plane after the rally, per NBC News correspondent Vaughn Hillyard.
“I think they’ve already dropped the case. From what I understand, I think it’s been dropped,” Trump said on his plane after the rally, per NBC News correspondent Vaughn Hillyard.
- 3/26/2023
- by Peter Wade
- Rollingstone.com
It takes some mental flexibility to keep up with the twists and turns of Quantum Leap Season 1 Episode 16, wherein Ben initially looks like a patient, turns out to be a detective, but then has to call upon some superhuman abilities.
With only two weeks to the finale, new revelations are flying fast and thick, and everyone's understandably on edge.
Janis's return is a catalyst for some strong feelings and her strident conviction that she knows best conflicts mightily with how Magic and Addison see things.
Like on Quantum Leap Season 1 Episode 7, where Ben encounters what appears to be the supernatural, his foray into a mental institution in 1954 is fraught with elements of horror and sadism that smack of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and, most obviously, Girl, Interrupted (from which the episode's title is drawn.)
The production team does a chillingly impressive job of creating an atmosphere of...
With only two weeks to the finale, new revelations are flying fast and thick, and everyone's understandably on edge.
Janis's return is a catalyst for some strong feelings and her strident conviction that she knows best conflicts mightily with how Magic and Addison see things.
Like on Quantum Leap Season 1 Episode 7, where Ben encounters what appears to be the supernatural, his foray into a mental institution in 1954 is fraught with elements of horror and sadism that smack of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and, most obviously, Girl, Interrupted (from which the episode's title is drawn.)
The production team does a chillingly impressive job of creating an atmosphere of...
- 3/21/2023
- by Diana Keng
- TVfanatic
Hong Kong’s Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf) on Thursday unveiled a rich, 28-title selection for its forthcoming 21st edition, featuring promising projects in development from Singaporean Camera d’Or winner Anthony Chen, maverick Hong Kong director Fruit Chan, rising Thai talent Jakrawal Nilthamrong and veteran festival ringmaster Marco Mueller, among many others. Haf is returning in 2023 for its first in-person forum since 2019, following three consecutive online editions during the coronavirus pandemic.
As per usual, the event will be held March 13–15 in tandem with the 27th Hong Kong Film & TV Market (aka Filmart), which runs March 13-16.
Of the 28 titles picked from 244 submissions spanning 38 countries and territories, Haf says half are from first-time filmmakers and eight are Chinese-language projects developed at recent editions of the Haf Film Lab mentorship program. The selection spans a broad range of genres, including arthouse drama, horror, fantasy, romance, animation and family films.
Chen, director...
As per usual, the event will be held March 13–15 in tandem with the 27th Hong Kong Film & TV Market (aka Filmart), which runs March 13-16.
Of the 28 titles picked from 244 submissions spanning 38 countries and territories, Haf says half are from first-time filmmakers and eight are Chinese-language projects developed at recent editions of the Haf Film Lab mentorship program. The selection spans a broad range of genres, including arthouse drama, horror, fantasy, romance, animation and family films.
Chen, director...
- 1/12/2023
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Film projects involving Anthony Chen, Fruit Chan, Tian Zhuangzhuang, Marco Mueller and Zhang Lu adorn the lineup of the upcoming Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum project market.
The 21st edition of the market will be held as an in-person event for the first time after a hiatus that forced Haf into a digital-only format for the past three years. It will operate March 13 – 15 alongside the 27th Hong Kong Film & TV Market (FilMart), March 13-16.
From 244 submissions, Haf organizers selected 28 in-development projects for this year’s market. Of these, half are by prospective first-time directors. Eight of the 28 are Chinese-language projects developed by young filmmakers at recent editions of the Haf Film Lab coaching program.
Organizers will announce a further list of work-in-progress projects, after the Chinese New Year holidays later this month.
Chen, director of “Ilo Ilo” and “Wet Season,” is attached as producer of two Haf entries. With Xie Meng,...
The 21st edition of the market will be held as an in-person event for the first time after a hiatus that forced Haf into a digital-only format for the past three years. It will operate March 13 – 15 alongside the 27th Hong Kong Film & TV Market (FilMart), March 13-16.
From 244 submissions, Haf organizers selected 28 in-development projects for this year’s market. Of these, half are by prospective first-time directors. Eight of the 28 are Chinese-language projects developed by young filmmakers at recent editions of the Haf Film Lab coaching program.
Organizers will announce a further list of work-in-progress projects, after the Chinese New Year holidays later this month.
Chen, director of “Ilo Ilo” and “Wet Season,” is attached as producer of two Haf entries. With Xie Meng,...
- 1/12/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Actor Danny Masterson will face a retrial on charges he forcibly raped three women at his home in the Hollywood Hills between 2001 and 2003, Los Angeles County prosecutors announced Tuesday.
The decision comes after a jury hopelessly deadlocked on the charges at a trial that ended in November.
Masterson, best known for his role on the sitcom That ’70s Show, appeared in court as his defense lawyer Philip Cohen asked the court to dismiss the three counts based on the argument that “no reasonable jury” could return a conviction based on...
The decision comes after a jury hopelessly deadlocked on the charges at a trial that ended in November.
Masterson, best known for his role on the sitcom That ’70s Show, appeared in court as his defense lawyer Philip Cohen asked the court to dismiss the three counts based on the argument that “no reasonable jury” could return a conviction based on...
- 1/10/2023
- by Nancy Dillon
- Rollingstone.com
Prosecutors announced on Tuesday that they will pursue a second trial against Danny Masterson, after a jury deadlocked on three rape charges at the actor’s first trial in November.
Masterson, 46, is accused of forcibly raping three women at his home in the Hollywood Hills from 2001 to 2003. He was a star of the Fox sitcom “That ’70s Show” at the time.
“Our office has decided to retry this case,” Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller told the court.
Though they could not reach a verdict, the jurors leaned toward acquittal, with votes of 10-2, 8-4 and 7-5 on the three counts.
Mueller argued that the jury ignored supporting testimony in the case.
“Not giving these victims another chance with a jury who can sit there and consider all of the evidence — win, lose or draw –- that would be an injustice,” Mueller said.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo denied a defense request to dismiss the case.
Masterson, 46, is accused of forcibly raping three women at his home in the Hollywood Hills from 2001 to 2003. He was a star of the Fox sitcom “That ’70s Show” at the time.
“Our office has decided to retry this case,” Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller told the court.
Though they could not reach a verdict, the jurors leaned toward acquittal, with votes of 10-2, 8-4 and 7-5 on the three counts.
Mueller argued that the jury ignored supporting testimony in the case.
“Not giving these victims another chance with a jury who can sit there and consider all of the evidence — win, lose or draw –- that would be an injustice,” Mueller said.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo denied a defense request to dismiss the case.
- 1/10/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
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